In-Box Review

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm gun and can carry air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons. Additional fuel can be carried with up to five external fuel tanks and the aircraft can be configured as an airborne tanker by adding an external air refueling system.The EA-18G Growler is an electronic attack version of the F/A-18F. The Growler's flight performance is similar to that of the F/A-18E/F. This attribute enables the Growler to perform escort jamming as well as the traditional standoff jamming mission. Most of the dedicated airborne electronic attack equipment is mounted in the space that used to house the internal 20 mm cannon and on the wingtips. Nine weapons stations remain free to provide for additional weapons or jamming pods. The added electronics include AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers on the wingtips, and ALQ-99 high and low-band tactical jamming pods.

Review : F/A-18E Super Hornet & EA-18G Growler

This is a review of Dragons dual F/A-18 E Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler kit in 1/144 scale. In the box you will find 13 separate parts trees molded in dark grey plastic, 2 clear trees containing one single and one double canopy, a single decal sheet and one tiny photo etch sheet. Along with a 6 step construction guide which includes decal placement sheet and painting guide, you will find everything in this kit needed to build two aircraft complete with fuel tanks, ALQ-99 jammer pod, ALQ-218 wingtip pods, and two types of missiles.

Being new to anything in 1/144 scale I was pleasantly surprised when I opened this kit up. The first thing I noticed was that the 13 total parts trees were sealed in 7 different bags. Normally not a big deal, but in this tiny scale, each and every scratch that has to be repaired means loss of detail so keeping everything separate is good insurance. Opening up the bags I couldn’t believe the detail that Dragon managed to sculpt into the pieces. I honestly have 1/48 kits in my stash with less detail than these little kits. There are supports and bracing in the wheel wells, bolts and shock absorbers on the landing gear, etc. It seems that every piece in these kits has received the upmost attention. Panel lines are just a bit heavy here and there but seem to be in the right places per my reference photos. Both canopies are clear and blemish free, if a bit on the heavy side. A total of 16 missiles, 6 fuel tanks, 2 ALQ-218 tactical jamming receiver pods, and 2 ALQ-99 high-band jammer pods are included so you can build these birds loaded to the hilt. A tiny PE sheet is also included containing 14 fins for the ALQ-218’s. The decals are printed in 6 colors and very nicely done. The markings included will depict VFA-14 Tophatters in their high visibility scheme and the VX-31 Dust Devils with low vis markings.

summary

I recommend this kit to anyone. Whether you are trying to save display shelf space or just want to try something out of the 1/72 – 1/48 scale range this Dragon kit is a real beauty.

SUMMARY

Highs: Two extremely well detailed kits with full weapons loads in one box for one price.Lows: Very tiny parts that can be lost easily.Verdict: Excellent kit for any age group with plenty of detail at a reasonable price.